I'm fine

When you are asked how you are, what do you answer?  Most people I think answer - I'm fine - whether they are or not.  We might be feeling all sorts of different things but cover it up with 'I'm fine'.

My latest textile hanging is based on this.  During lockdown a friend of mine drew a picture of me wearing a mask.  I don't usually put people in my work whether it's art journaling, textiles or photography, so it's been quite challenging to use this picture.

I had a Thermofax screen made of it and inspired by Andy Warhol, I printed the image 9 times through organza onto calico.

 This week I brushed dye over the images leaving the masks undyed.

 

 

I sorted out 9 words that people might be feeling not fine behind the 'I'm fine'. 

 

 

And now I am hand stitching each of the words, having hand written the words on the masks.  I'm thinking of putting a layer of organza over the mask in each image - see the top left of the above image.  Cut to the shape of the mask obviously!

Recently on Instagram I saw this:
'In Norway 'up & not crying' is a standard response to 'how are you' - and I think that's a very reasonable standard to hold oneself to these days.'

More than this though, I think we need to be more honest about ourselves.  And okay, don't pour out emtions on passing acquaintances, but it's important to have a few around us who we trust and we can be honest with.

In return, we need to be good listeners and readers of body language.  When we ask the question are we prepared for an answer that isn't I'm fine.

Why do we need to read body language?  Because we need to hear what isn't being said.   And we need to be willing to give the time to listen.

Thanks for being here today.  I hope you are more than just 'fine'.
Bernice